New or Visiting ?

What is it like to visit Ascension?

We are an inclusive, welcoming and down to earth community. At least, we try to be! You are welcome to come as you are. There is nothing special you need to wear or do or say. You are welcome just to sit in the church and take it all in if you want to. Let the greeters know you are visiting and we can help answer any questions.

Can I visit if I am from a different church?

You are most welcome to visit and please let us know what church you are visiting from. We are called to be the body of Christ, regardless of our denominations and practices.

What if I've never been to church?

It can be a daunting experience going to church for the first time. Any new experience is like that. And we understand. You don't have to participate in the service if that doesn't feel right to you. However, you are more than welcome to participate and follow along. We usually point out where we are in the service. You receive a pamphlet or bulletin when you arrive and that lets you know what we are doing and when.

Most of the folks sitting around you are pretty friendly - so don't feel embarrassed to ask them questions. Or speak to one of the sidespeople - the people that greeted you when you arrived.

What do children do during the service?

Children are welcome at our church. During the service times there are a few of options.

During the Summer Months children are invited to remain in church with their caregivers where quiet toys, books and colouring is made available.

From September to June...Every second Sunday of the month - There is a special children's program. It might be a science experiment, it might be an art class, it might be a chance to learn how to bake. All programs are led by local experts and draw the attention of the children (and grown-ups) to God's creative and loving presence with us all.

Quiet Family Area - In the church there is a quiet family & play area. There are quiet toys, books to look at and some colouring. Children do not need to be silent, but they do need to learn to respect the sacred nature of the service. Don't worry about the noises they make, or if they wander a bit here and there. However, help them to learn that it is a shared space, that some people are praying, listening to God and worshiping God. We encourage parents and caregivers to teach children, even very young ones, to follow along with the service, to sing the hymns as they can (they are welcome to make up their own words!)

Not so Quiet Family Area - We also know that children don't sit and play quietly for long periods of time. If they are in need of more space to move around (or make a bit more noise) we invite you to go into our hall, just off from the main church, where you'll find more sitting space, activities for the children.

Receiving Communion

When it comes time to receive communion, you are welcome to come to the front when instructed to do so (follow the people sitting around you) and to stand or kneel at the altar. For the bread we offer regular whole wheat bread or gluten free wafers. If you need the latter, just let the person offering you bread know as they come to you. We receive the wine out of a common cup. If you do not wish to drink from the common cup (and we politely ask that you would refrain whenever you are feeling sick) simply place your hand on the base of the cup as it is presented to you.

You are also welcome to come forward, not to receive communion, but to receive a blessing if you prefer. Stand or kneel at the altar rail and place your hands across your chest. This lets the priest know you want a blessing and one will be said for you.

Anointing

Once a month we have, as part of our Communion Service, a time of Anointing and Prayer. This is an optional practice, and those who wish to receive it go to a designated space in the church following communion.

The bible instructs us that if anyone in the community is unwell in any way, we should come together and pray for them. We do this by having licensed lay anointers anoint a person's head with holy oil, making the sign of the cross on their forehead. Then a brief prayer is spoken, as you hold in your mind your particular need, for yourself or on behalf of someone else.

This is simply part of a larger process of prayer and spiritual disciplines as we seek healing and wholeness in the various parts of our lives. If you'd like to know more about Lay Anointers and their ministry in the Anglican Diocese of Toronto please visit our website here:

Parking

We are small, historical church - built in the days when most folks would either walk or come by horse and buggy! We do not have a parking lot. However, there is lots of parking on the side streets around the church and if the weather isn't too bad, it is a pleasant area to walk in. We endeavour to keep our walkways clear and easily accessible.

Accessibility

Our church sanctuary and hall are fully accessible. We also have an accessible washroom available on the same level. If you require accessible parking for when you visit, please call the church ahead of time and we'll save a space in front of the church on the street for you.

Connecting with the Church

If you have any questions when you are visiting with us, don't feel uncomfortable asking one of the greeters, or even a person in the pew next to you. If they don't know, they can likely help you find someone who does.

You are also welcome to phone the church or e-mail us with any questions at all. All questions are welcome - no matter how simple, silly or strange they may seem to you.

Call us at: 905-985-7278E-mail us at: [email protected]Or even better, visit us: Sundays at 10 am or Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday between 9:30 am & 2 pm. Call ahead if you wish to book a time to meet with the priest.